Sae nods his head in satisfaction. He peers around and scrutinizes the faces, but no one here is the person he’s looking for. He flicks his finger and suddenly his shadow expands and grows. Scripp shakes herself out as she grows to a comfortable size much to everyone’s horror. Everyone besides Trae who is already familiar with this beast. His scowl deepens, but he doesn’t comment when Sae makes another subtle motion with his hand and Scripp races off, quietly and effectively disappearing into the shadows.

“The head of the Westin clan is still Hona’s father is it not?” Sae loudly asks to distract everyone from the shadowkin that’s been let loose in their home.

Trae rolls his eyes, but answers, “Aye, Gol is still the head.” He crosses his arms in front of his chest and eyes his little brother, “You have not answered my question.”

Sae smiles brightly, “I surely did. In fact you have not answered mine. I asked if Gol is here. It is surely impolite to enter someone’s home without any greetings and yet here I am left standing and waiting.”

It takes all of Trae’s patience to not pummel Sae then and there. He is suddenly recalling how much of a pain his little brother was when they were small. Grief had tinted his memories a rosier color, but now the grief has faded and the tinting is stark clear. It seems Sae’s time away in the shadowlands has not changed his disposition in the slightest way.

Luckily for the brothers and for everybody present one of the students had gone to fetch Master Gol upon Sae’s arrival so it’s conveniently at this time he’s able to appear before the siblings can come to blows.

“Young Sae Crest, a blessing to see you alive and well.” The man standing before the brothers is tall in stature with dark tan skin and long black hair that’s loosely tied back at the nape of his neck. His face is pleasant to look upon, but not one that could be described as beautiful. His soft brown eyes imply that he is a kind man who has never harbored an ill thought. His robes are thick and well made, but still plain looking without any embroideries or ornaments on them. He has an uncanny resemblance to Hona who has the same stature and glossy hair, but Hona’s skin is a shade fairer than his father’s and Hona’s facade is even slimmer and more refined.

“Just Sae is fine, I’ve defected from the Crest clan.” Sae replies earnestly. Faint memories from his childhood swim through his thoughts. This person he’s sure he’s met before even though he does not recognize the face as anything other than Hona’s father. “And I can assure you my survival was no blessing. There are many who wish I had died.” He laughs merrily, but no one joins in.

Gol forces a soft smile, “Well, you will find no enemies here. Come and let’s discuss your visit.”

“No enemies? Truly? I was told there was a monster for me to fight. I was looking forward to it. Don’t tell me Trae’s taken all my fun away!”

Trae huffs in agitation, but Gol’s gentle expression doesn’t falter. “Hmm, aye, there has been a monster attacking our disciples. Three have been killed by this mysterious beast. How have you been made aware of this? News from this side of the continent does not reach the plains and mountains during this time of year.”

“Oh, a couple of children told me this.”

Gol looks Sae over for a moment before finally nodding, “I see. Then let me tell you what’s been occurring and then we’ll get you settled into a room.”

✧ ☽ ❀ ☾ ✧

Hona and his sister Frey are quite startled when their studies are suddenly disrupted by a large shadow that sneaks into the room. Upon the sight of Scripp, Frey is quick to jump to her feet and reach for her blade, but Hona, who has encountered this shadowkin before, is more surprised than frightened.

Hona pulls on his sister’s sleeve, staying her hand from doing anything rash, before addressing Scripp. “You are one of Sae’s servants? What are you doing here?”

A soft purr fills the room and the large cat-like creature rubs herself against Hona’s side. Scripp looks up at Hona with a playful expression and flicks her tail at the door.

The siblings share a look before Frey addresses the situation, “It seems someone wishes to see you.” While she had been quick to react she’s also quick to gather her wits about her and realize that the shadowkin doesn’t mean any harm. Of course Hona had told her of his visit to the mountain so Frey understands right away that for this one to be here then Sae must also be here.

“Aye.” Hona nods his head as he carefully puts away his books and notes. As he makes his way to the door though Scripp stops him by pouncing on the hem of his robe and pinning him in place. “What's this?” Hona turns around and sees Scripp hindering him.

Her white eyes blink up at him innocently and then in a movement so fast both siblings miss it Scripp disappears. The wardrobe in the corner rattles and suddenly the door to it opens and the shadow is suddenly found sitting on top. Her tail twitching back and forth while her eyes stare at Hona in a judgmental way.

Frey bursts out in a laugh as she realizes what the servant wants. “Brother dear, it appears your current attire is not suitable.”

Hona frowns and looks down at himself. He’s in his most casual robes, an old garment that has splotches of ink stains on the sleeves and is worn loosely on his slim figure. He glances up at the cat who smiles down at him smugly. “Aye, I suppose not. Help me pick something nice.”

The two sift through the hanging robes and under Scripp’s careful guidance settle on a dark blue robe with white clouds embroidered across the fabric. Under this is layered a silky silver fabric that pairs nicely against the dark blue and to complete the look is a blue belt with silver beads embroidered across it in starburst patterns. The outfit is more ostentatious than Hona would like, but Scripp purrs and rubs against his side to show her approval. As they’re about to leave though Scripp blocks the path and gives a pointed look up at Hona.

Hona looks down at himself in confusion, “What? I’ve changed my clothes like you wanted…”

Scripp huffs in annoyance and then reaches up and paws at Hona’s braid which trails down to his waist. “Oh!” Hona understands immediately as he lifts his hair up and inspects the end where the loosely woven plait is tied with a leather cord. “Apologies, I have forgotten something.”

Frey watches with an interested look as her brother opens a small box sat on his vanity and lifts out the delicate hair ornament. “Hmm, I haven’t seen that before.” She comments as Hona ties the ribbon at the end of his braid.